WhatsApp gets Android update with new emojis

Everybody’s all about using images to communicate these days. And it’s not just the stacks of tools for using pics and GIF that are transforming language in the 21st century. Yes, we’re talking here about emojis, those expressive icons that have been popping up for years but are now an essential in communications of all stripes. That’s why WhatsApp’s new Unicode 9.0 emojis are such a big deal. And you can use them on any version of Android.

This Unicode 9.0 pack came out on iOS in December, causing Android users to look on longingly. It was indeed included in the recent Android app update (7.1) but a good number of users were still left out. But this has all been fixed with WhatsApp update 2.17.44, which opens up the world of emojis to anyone who uses this version of the app.

The new emojis have a special significance because they include the ones Google proposed to the Unicode committee, includinglots of new professions and sports in both male and female versions. The aim is to raise awareness of gender equality – and you can now use them in your WhatsApp chats with the latest version available for download on Uptodown.

Plus it comes with the iconic facepalm emoji. And the much-loved avocado. And an homage to David Bowie. As for my personal faves, there’s a Saturday Night Fever character, a piece of bacon, and a glass of whiskey that I’m going to be peppering my chats with every day from now on.

Don’t forget that you have to download the latest APK with the WhatsApp beta to use all these. And that’s easy as pie to do right here on Uptodown.